Black Boy Joy Book Review










 1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Mbalia, K. (2021). BLACK BOY JOY. Delacorte Press.  ISBN: 978-1-51604-520-4


2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This collection of stories focuses on the joy of being a black boy. From fantasy to relatable stories, Black Boy Joy gives readers a sense of happiness. 


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The characters in Black Boy Joy are all unique. Their commonality is that they have strong family bonds and show the positive experiences of growing up black. They showcase tight-knit families. The boys that are the main characters in each short story are described as unique individuals from athletes, to bakers, to nerds. 

There are multiple settings in this book. Some examples are: neighborhoods, churches, homes, outer space, and other realms. The more familial ones depict common places identifiable to the African American community. 

References to African American culture are woven throughout the book in thoughtful ways. First is the tight knit communities in many of the stories. There are neighbors, extended family, parents, and community members who are all involved large and small in the characters’ lives. Also, the slang used in many stories are appropriate for the dialogue spoken. This book celebrates the joy and successes of black boys and can inspire those reading it. 


4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

  • Booklist starred, 07/01/21

  • Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, 07/01/21

  • Horn Book Magazine, 09/01/21

  • Kirkus Reviews starred, 06/15/21

  • New York Times, 08/01/21

  • Publishers Weekly starred, 08/09/21

  • School Library Journal starred, 08/01/21

  • Texas: Bluebonnet Award Nominees, 2023

Full-Text Reviews
Booklist starred (July 2021 (Vol. 117, No. 21))

Grades 4-7. According to Gary the Griot, joy is cultivated through stories, and it is to be shared and distributed to the masses. That is exactly what he teaches his successor, young Fortitude, as they embark on a journey to collect Black boy joy. A collection of short stories aimed at middle-graders, this title offers a fierce lineup of 17 Black male and nonbinary authors exploring what exactly it means to exist as a Black boy (or person) without a hyperfocus on the inescapable pains of Black life in America. The contributors offer a warm embrace of the plurality of Blackness, with stories spanning from intergalactic world-saving to expressing one’s true gender identity and from whipping up tantalizing dessert recipes, to the process behind getting first-day-of-school fly, just to describe a few. All the while, Mbalia lovingly connects the stories through his three-part contribution, “The Griot of Grover Street.” Though the title and cover may convince you otherwise, it is important to note that this book doesn’t shy away from sadness, fear, or anger; what sets it apart, however, is that the stories are predicated upon joy. In a world where Black boys’ stories are often tragedies, statistics, and stereotypes, this work surely reclaims ownership over the boldness, creativity, and wholeness they possess. A great addition to a classroom collection and an even better family read; pick up Black Boy Joy for a heavy dose of happiness.


  • 5. CONNECTIONS

Cartaya, P. (20022). THE LAST BEEKEEPER. HARPER. ISBN: 978-0-06-300655-3

Yee, M. (2008). THE MISFITS: A ROYAL CONUNDRUM. Random House.  ISBN: 978-1-984830-29-6




Activities:

Discussion questions before and during reading for each of the 17 short stories

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